,
If you want to setup Windows 11 without a Microsoft account but with a local account, then read this guide to learn how to do it.
As you know, Windows 11 installation by default forces users to use a Microsoft account to use their computers and does not provide any option to use a local account.
More specifically, if you do not have an active Internet connection, do not have a Microsoft account, or do not want to set up Windows 11 with a Microsoft account and use a local account, you cannot proceed with the installation.
In this guide you’ll find simple instructions on how to install Windows 11 with a Local Account on a desktop or laptop PC.
How to Set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account.*
* Note: The methods below work either when you’re doing a fresh clean install of Windows 11 or when you’re first setting up a new PC/Laptop with Windows 11 pre-installed (aka “Windows Out of Box Experience” (OOBE)).
Method 1. Setup Windows 11 with a Local Account by Disabling Network.
The first method to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account is to not connect to the network or disable it.
1. When asked to add your Microsoft Account, press SHIFT + F10 keys to open a command prompt window.
2. Click inside the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
3. Right-click on each network connection (Wi-Fi and/or Ethernet) and click Disable, to disable all network connections.
4. Now, close the command prompt Window and then click the 
arrow on the top left to go back.
5. Type a username to setup a local account and then click Next to continue to the Windows installation.
6. After you are done with the setup and enter Windows 11, follow the steps below to enable the network cards.
7a. Press the Windows 
+ R keys to open the Run command box.
7b. Type ncpa.cpl and press OK or hit Enter to open Network Connections.
8. In Network Connections window, right-click on each Network Connection (Wi-Fi and/or Ethernet) and choose Enable.
9. Finally, connect your computer to the network (Internet) and start using Windows 11 with a local account.
Method 2. Set up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account by bypassing the Network Requirement.
The second method to install Windows 11 using a local account and not a Microsoft account is to bypass the mandatory Internet connection requirement during the initial setup.
1. At any stage of OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience) in Windows 11 (eg when you get to the ‘Country or Region’ settings screen or when Windows asks you to connect to a network), hold down the SHIFT key and then press F10 on your keyboard to open a command prompt window. *
* Note: In some laptops you may need to press the SHIFT + Fn + F10 keys.
2. Follow the steps 2 & 3 in method 1 to disable all the network connections.
3. After disabling all network connections, click again inside the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter. (The computer will restart)
-
oobebypassnro
5. After restarting, specify the language options and when you reach again the Let’s Connect you to a network screen, click I don’t have Internet and then select the option Continue with Limited Setup.
6. Now type an account name (aka “Username”) and click Next to finish the Windows 11 setup.
7. After finishing setup, follow the steps 7 & 8 in method-1 above to re-enable the network connections and you’re done!
Method 3. Install Windows 11 with a Local account by closing the “Network Connection Flow” process.
Another method to install Windows 11 with a local account, is to stop the “Network Connection Flow” process using task manager. *
* Note: This method only works when you are not yet connected to the network.
1. At the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen, press SHIFT + F10 on the keyboard simultaneously, to open a command prompt window.
* Note: On some laptops you may need to press SHIFT + Fn + F10.
2. Click inside the command prompt window, then type “taskmgr” and press the Enter key to open Task Manager.
4. Click on the More Details option.
5. Select the Network Connection Flow process and then click the End Task button to close the “Let’s connect you to a network” screen.
6. Proceed ahead to create a local user account and finish the Windows 11 setup.
That’s all folks! Which method worked for you?
Please leave a comment in the comment section below or even better: like and share this blog post in the social networks to help spread the word about this solution.
